As the entire automotive industry makes the challenging shift toward the future of all-electric vehicle production, it’s no wonder Ford makes this year’s TIME100 Most Influential Companies list. With the slogan “Electrifying Everything,” Ford is a shoe-in for this year due to the company pursuing for more green-focused change in a carbon-heavy industry. The annual TIME list tracks the businesses and corporations that are shaping the world for good, based on general factors like “relevance, impact, innovation, leadership, ambition, and success.”
One of the best reasons to include Ford on the 2022 list is the launch of the all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck. “Cars, SUVs, pickups, and other light-duty trucks account for over half of all U.S. transportation emissions, making electric key to mitigating climate change,” said Kyla Mandel, TIME senior editor. “But it’s not enough to just offer EVs — people have to actually want them.”
Mandel continued to compliment Ford CEO Jim Farley’s approach of electrifying some of the company’s best-selling models, like the popular F-Series pickup. “And it’s working,” she added, highlighting Ford’s market value’s rise to above $100 billion for the first time, mostly thanks to surging demand for the F-150 Lightning.
The innovative electric truck is one of the most strongly anticipated new vehicles in the United States. Earlier in the year, Ford had to close reservations after they reached nearly 200,000, leading the automaker to boost its planned production capacity for the truck.
And Ford isn’t just using any kind of electric motor for the F-150 body. It created the F-150 Lightning to uniquely be able to charge other EVs as well as reverse the flow of power back to your home in case the electricity goes out. Additionally, it has been stress-tested in rugged Alaska and Colorado conditions to ensure that you can always count on its ability to reach its 10,000-pound max towing capability, even in extreme weather conditions.
“I am honored,” said Farley in response to the TIME100 recognition. “This is especially gratifying because it is not about any individual, but rather a recognition of our incredible employees who work tirelessly to leave the world a better place for our kids and grandkids. Through their hard work, innovation and creativity, we are fundamentally changing the future of transportation and mobility, and building a cleaner future.”